Systems, apparatuses, and methods for detecting ectopic electrocardiogram signals during pulsed electric field ablation

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatus, and methods for ablation therapy are described herein, with a processor for confirming pacing capture or detecting ectopic beats. An apparatus includes a processor for receiving cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes, extracting a sliding window of the cardiac signal data, identifying a peak frequency over a subrange of frequencies associated with the extracted sliding window, detecting ectopic activity based at least on a measure of the peak frequency over the subrange of frequencies, in response to detecting ectopic activity, sending an indication of ectopic activity to a signal generator configured to generate pulsed waveforms for cardiac ablation such that the signal generator is deactivated or switched off from generating the pulsed waveforms. An apparatus can further include a processor for confirming pacing capture of the set of pacing pulses based on cardiac signal data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/741,506, filed on Jan. 13, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,688,305, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/573,704, filed on Sep. 17, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,625,080, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Application of brief ultra-short high voltage pulses to tissue may generate high electric fields in tissue to generate a local region of ablated tissue by the biophysical mechanism of irreversible electroporation.

In cardiac applications, high voltage pulses, however, may cause complications such as induced arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation) if delivered during certain periods of cardiac activity. Accordingly, it can be desirable to delivery high voltage pulses for pulsed electric field ablation in synchrony with the cardiac cycle so as to avoid the risk of such complications,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system, according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an ablation catheter and a pacing catheter disposed in a heart, according to embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of a time sequence of electrocardiograms and cardiac pacing signals, according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a device for generating pulsed electric field ablation, according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts components of a device for detecting cardiac activity, according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for tissue ablation, according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for detecting ectopic cardiac activity, according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for tissue ablation, according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for detecting ectopic cardiac activity, according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method for detecting ectopic cardiac activity and confirming pacing capture, according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for detecting ectopic cardiac activity in connection with delivery of ablation energy to tissue such as pulsed electric field ablation. Pulsed electric field ablation uses ultra-short high-voltage pulses to generate large electric fields at desired regions of interest to generate a local region of ablated tissue via irreversible electroporation. In certain applications, including cardiac applications, it can be desirable to generate pulses for pulsed electric field ablation in synchronicity with a cardiac cycle. Synchronizing ablation energy delivery with the cardiac cycle may reduce the risk of induced arrhythmias such as atrial and/or ventricular fibrillation. One method of synchronizing delivery of pulses can be to pace of stimulate one or more cardiac cambers with periodic pacing signals with a predefined time period. For example, a cardiac stimulator may be used to deliver pacing pulses to one or more cardiac chambers such that the cardiac rhythm of a patient synchronizes with the pacing pulse. In some embodiments, pacing pulses can be delivered to the cardiac chamber(s) via an intracardiac catheter that is suitably positioned in the chamber(s). The intracardiac catheter can include one or more electrodes that are used to conduct the pacing signal into the heart. For example, the catheter can have a pair of electrodes (e.g., a most distal electrode and an electrode proximal to the distal electrode) that is used as a bipolar pair to deliver a pacing signal, with the two electrodes providing the forward and return current paths for the pacing signal. The pacing pulse can cause the cardiac chamber to generate its electrocardiogram (ECG) pulses in synchrony with the pacing pulses, thereby controlling the timing of the cardiac cycle.

Once the periodicity of the cardiac cycle is established and confirmed, e.g., by a physician, the delivery of high voltage ablation pulses can be timed to start in synchrony with the pacing signals. For example, the ablation pulses can be delivered with predetermined offsets from the pacing signals such that their delivery falls within the refractory window following the QRS waveform of the cardiac cycle. In some embodiments, the ablation pulses can be delivered to a cardiac chamber using an ablation catheter configured for pulsed electric field ablation.

While a cardiac chamber is being paced, however, localized electrical activity (e.g., pre-ventricular contraction (PVC)) may trigger ectopic cardiac activity that generates an additional localized T-wave (e.g., ectopic beat) that may overlap the next pacing pulse. Ablation energy delivered during these localized T-waves may have a high risk of inducing fibrillation.

Accordingly, it can be desirable to detect such localized or ectopic ECG activity that can occur between successive pacing pulses during ablation, such that the ablation system can ensure that ablation is not delivered during those times. For example, an ablation device can be configured to be disconnected from a signal generator when ectopic activity has been detected. By disconnecting or switching off the ablation device (for example, with a suitable relay), the risk of inducing a fibrillation event can be reduced.

Systems, devices, and methods described herein can be configured to detect ectopic signals and to control the operation of an ablation device based on such detection. For example, a system as described herein may include a cardiac stimulator and pacing device used to electrically pace the heart and ensure pacing capture to establish periodicity and predictability of the cardiac cycle. The pacing device may be configured to measure electrical cardiac activity (e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal) used to confirm pacing capture and/or detect ectopic cardiac activity. For example, predetermined portions of an ECG signal may be analyzed for an ectopic beat and synchronization between a pacing pulse and cardiac cycle. A cardiac activity status may be output to indicate the status of pacing capture and/or ectopic cardiac activity, and be used to control delivery of ablation energy to tissue.

The system may further include a signal generator and a processor configured to apply one or more voltage pulse waveforms to a selected set of electrodes of an ablation device to deliver energy to a region of interest (e.g., ablation energy for a set of tissue in a pulmonary vein ostium). The pulse waveforms disclosed herein may aid in therapeutic treatment of a variety of cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation).

The cardiac stimulator may synchronize the generation of the pulse waveform to a paced heartbeat in order to reduce unintended tissue damage. For example, a time window within a refractory period of the periodic cardiac cycle may be selected for voltage pulse waveform delivery. Thus, voltage pulse waveforms may be delivered in the refractory period of the cardiac cycle so as to avoid disruption of the sinus rhythm of the heart. The pulse waveform may be generated based on a cardiac activity status indicating an absence of an ectopic beat and confirmation of pacing capture. For example, the pulse waveform may be generated in synchronization with a pacing signal of the heart to avoid disruption of the sinus rhythm of the heart, and can be delivered outside of periods of detected ectopic activity. The pulse waveform can be delivered to one or more electrodes of one or more catheters that are epicardially or endocardially placed around the heart, such that those electrodes generate a pulsed electric field to ablate tissue. In some embodiments, the pulse waveform may include hierarchical waveforms to aid in tissue ablation and reduce damage to healthy tissue.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor can be configured to receive cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes; extract a sliding window of the cardiac signal data; identify a peak frequency over a subrange of frequencies associated with the extracted sliding window; detect ectopic activity based at least on a measure of the peak frequency over the subrange of frequencies; and in response to detecting ectopic activity, send an indication of ectopic activity to a signal generator configured to generate pulsed waveforms for cardiac ablation such that the signal generator is deactivated or switched off from generating the pulsed waveforms.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor can be configured to receive cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes; receive an indication of delivery of a set of pacing pulses to the cardiac tissue; extract portions of the cardiac signal data following delivery of a subset of successive pacing pulses from the set of pacing pulses; calculate, for each extracted portion, a set of moments of a function associated with that extracted portion; confirm pacing capture of the set of pacing pulses based at least on the set of moments calculated for each extracted portion; and in response to confirming pacing capture, send an indication of pacing capture to a signal generator configured to generate pulsed waveforms for cardiac ablation such that the signal generator is activated for generating the pulsed waveforms. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: analyze local peak frequencies of the cardiac signal data to detect ectopic activity; and in response to detecting ectopic activity, send an indication of ectopic activity to the signal generator such that the signal generator is switched off from generating the pulsed waveforms.

In some embodiments, a system includes a first controller configured to generate a pulsed waveform and deliver the pulsed waveform in synchrony with a set of pacing pulses to an ablation device; and a second controller operatively coupled to the first controller, the second controller configured to: generate the set of pacing pulses and deliver the set of pacing pulses to a pacing device; receive cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes; confirm pacing capture of the set of pacing pulses based on the cardiac signal data; and in response to confirming pacing capture, send an indication of pacing capture to the first controller to activate generation of the pulsed waveform. In some embodiments, the second controller is further configured to: monitor the cardiac signal data for ectopic activity; and when ectopic activity is present, send an indication of ectopic activity to the first controller to switch off generation of the pulsed waveform.

In some embodiments, a method includes receiving cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes disposed near cardiac tissue; extracting a sliding window of the cardiac signal data; identifying a peak frequency over a subrange of frequencies associated with the extracted sliding window; detecting ectopic activity based at least on a measure of the peak frequency over the subrange of frequencies; and in response to detecting ectopic activity, sending an indication of ectopic activity to a signal generator configured to generate pulsed waveforms for cardiac ablation such that the signal generator is switch off from generating the pulsed waveforms. The method can further include confirming pacing capture of the set of pacing pulses based on the cardiac signal data.

The term “electroporation” as used herein refers to the application of an electric field to a cell membrane to change the permeability of the cell membrane to the extracellular environment. The term “reversible electroporation” as used herein refers to the application of an electric field to a cell membrane to temporarily change the permeability of the cell membrane to the extracellular environment. For example, a cell undergoing reversible electroporation can observe the temporary and/or intermittent formation of one or more pores in its cell membrane that close up upon removal of the electric field. The term “irreversible electroporation” as used herein refers to the application of an electric field to a cell membrane to permanently change the permeability of the cell membrane to the extracellular environment. For example, a cell undergoing irreversible electroporation can observe the formation of one or more pores in its cell membrane that persist upon removal of the electric field.

Pulse waveforms for electroporation energy delivery as disclosed herein may enhance the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of energy delivery to tissue by reducing the electric field threshold associated with irreversible electroporation, thus yielding more effective ablative lesions with a reduction in total energy delivered. In some embodiments, the voltage pulse waveforms disclosed herein may be hierarchical and have a nested structure. For example, the pulse waveform may include hierarchical groupings of pulses having associated timescales. In some embodiments, the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein may comprise one or more of the methods, systems, and devices described in International Application Serial No. PCT/US2019/014226, filed on Jan. 18, 2019, published as International Publication No. WO/2019/143960 on Jul. 25, 2019, and titled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FOCAL ABLATION,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Systems

Disclosed herein are systems and devices configured for monitoring ectopic cardiac activity in connection with tissue ablation via the selective and rapid application of voltage pulse waveforms resulting in irreversible electroporation. Generally, a system for ablating tissue described here may include a cardiac stimulator for generating a pacing signal delivered by a pacing device to the heart. The system further measures electrical cardiac activity for identification of ectopic beats and/or to confirm pacing capture of the heart. The detected pacing signal and/or detected cardiac activity can be used to control delivery of a pulse waveform generated by a signal generator to an ablation device having one or more electrodes. As described herein, the systems and devices may be deployed epicardially and/or endocardially to treat heart conditions such as, for example, atrial fibrillation. Voltages may be applied to a selected subset of the electrodes, with independent subset selections for anode and cathode electrode selections.

Generally, the systems and devices described herein include one or more devices (e.g., catheters) configured to ablate tissue in a left atrial chamber of a heart. FIG. 1 illustrates a system (100) configured to deliver voltage pulse waveforms. The system (100) may include an apparatus (120) including one or more processor(s) or controller(s) (124) and a memory (126). The processor(s) (124) can function as, be integrated into, and/or control a signal generator (122) and/or a cardiac stimulator (128).

Each of the one or more processor(s) (124) may be any suitable processing device configured to run and/or execute a set of instructions or code. The processor may be, for example, a general purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and/or the like. The processor may be configured to run and/or execute application processes and/or other modules, processes and/or functions associated with the system and/or a network associated therewith (not shown). The underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, and/or the like.

The memory (126) may include a database (not shown) and may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), Flash memory, etc. The memory (126) may store instructions to cause the processor (124) to execute modules, processes and/or functions associated with the system (100), such as pulse waveform generation and/or cardiac pacing.

The apparatus (120) may be coupled to an ablation device (110) and/or a pacing device (130). When coupled to the ablation device (110) and pacing device (130), one or more components of the apparatus (120) (e.g., a processor (124) functioning as a signal generator (122) and/or cardiac stimulator (128)) can be in electrical communication with the ablation device (110) and/or pacing device (130) to control delivery of pacing signals, ablation signals, etc. via the ablation device (110) and pacing device (130) and/or to receive data (e.g., sensed signals) from the ablation device (110) and pacing device (130). If apparatus (120) includes multiple processors (124), one or more of the processor(s) (124) can communicate with one another to control pacing and/or ablation. The apparatus (120) can also include an input/output device (127) that enables the apparatus (120) to interface with other devices (e.g., ablation device (110) and/or pacing device (130)) and/or a user. For example, the apparatus (120) can include a user interface, e.g., a display, an audio device, etc. that enables presentation of outputs to a user and/or receipt of input from the user.

The signal generator (122) may be configured to generate ablation pulse waveforms for irreversible electroporation of tissue, such as, for example, pulmonary vein ostia. For example, the signal generator (122) may be a voltage pulse waveform generator and deliver a pulse waveform to the ablation device (110). The processor (124) may incorporate data received from memory (126), cardiac stimulator (128), and pacing device (130) to determine the parameters (e.g., timing, amplitude, width, duty cycle, etc.) of the pulse waveform to be generated by the signal generator (122). The memory (126) may further store instructions to cause the signal generator (122) to execute modules, processes and/or functions associated with the system (100), such as ectopic cardiac activity detection, pulse waveform generation, and/or cardiac pacing synchronization. For example, the memory (126) may be configured to store one or more of cardiac activity data, pulse waveform, and heart pacing data.

The pacing device (130) disposed in the patient may be configured to receive a heart pacing signal generated by the cardiac stimulator (128) of the apparatus (120) for cardiac stimulation. An indication of the pacing signal may be transmitted by the cardiac stimulator (128) to the signal generator (122). Based on the pacing signal, an indication of a voltage pulse waveform may be selected, computed, and/or otherwise identified by the processor (124) and generated by the signal generator (122). In some embodiments, the signal generator (122) is configured to generate the pulse waveform based on a cardiac activity status where the pulse waveform is in synchronization with the indication of the pacing signal (e.g., within a common refractory window). For example, in some embodiments, the common refractory window may start substantially immediately following a ventricular pacing signal (or after a very small delay) and last for a duration of approximately 250 milliseconds (ms) or less thereafter. In such embodiments, an entire pulse waveform may be delivered within this duration.

In some embodiments, one or more intracardiac electrodes, e.g., of the pacing device (130) and/or ablation device (110), can be configured to sense signals within the heart and deliver those signals to one or more of the processor(s) 124. The one or more processor(s) 124 can analyze the sensed signals for ectopic activity and control operation of the signal generator (122) based on such analysis, as further described below.

The system (100) may be in communication with other devices (not shown) via, for example, one or more networks, each of which may be any type of network. A wireless network may refer to any type of digital network that is not connected by cables of any kind. However, a wireless network may connect to a wireline network in order to interface with the Internet, other carrier voice and data networks, business networks, and personal networks. A wireline network is typically carried over copper twisted pair, coaxial cable or fiber optic cables. There are many different types of wireline networks including, wide area networks (WAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), local area networks (LAN), campus area networks (CAN), global area networks (GAN), like the Internet, and virtual private networks (VPN). Hereinafter, network refers to any combination of combined wireless, wireline, public and private data networks that are typically interconnected through the Internet, to provide a unified networking and information access solution. The system (100) may further comprise one or more output devices such as a display, audio device, touchscreen, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a heart (200), e.g., as seen from an anterior side (e.g., front of a subject) including an ablation device (220) and a pacing device (210) disposed therein, according to embodiments described herein. The pacing device (210) may be configured to measure cardiac activity and/or deliver pacing signal to the heart (200), and the ablation device (220) may be configured to receive and/or deliver a pulse waveform to cardiac tissue. As illustrated, in the anterior cross-section of the heart (200) depicted in FIG. 2 , the dotted lines (201) schematically approximate the boundaries of the four heart chambers including the right ventricle RV (202) and left atrium LA (204). Pacing device (210) may be introduced into the right ventricle (202) and positioned such that it can stimulate the right ventricle (202) and obtain pacing capture. The pacing device (210) may comprise first electrode (212), second electrode (214), third electrode (216), and fourth electrode (218). The first electrode (212) and the second electrode (214) may be configured as a bipolar pair of pacing electrodes to pace the right ventricle (202). The pacing electrodes (212, 214) may be coupled to a cardiac stimulator (e.g., cardiac stimulator (128)). The third electrode (216) and the fourth electrode (218) may be configured as sensor elements to measure intracardiac activity (e.g., ECG signal) of the heart (200). While the pacing device (210) is described as being positioned in the right ventricle (202), it can be appreciated that the pacing device (210) can be positioned in other suitable sites. For example, the pacing device (210) can be placed in the coronary sinus, and a suitable electrode pair (e.g., electrodes (212, 214)) may be used to pace the ventricle.

The ablation device (220) may be introduced into an endocardial space of the left atrium (204) through an atrial septum via a trans-septal puncture. The distal portion of the ablation device (220) may include a set of electrodes (222, 224) configured to deliver ablation energy (e.g., pulse electric field energy) to tissue. In some embodiments, the electrodes (222, 224) of the ablation device (220) may be a set of independently addressable electrodes. Each electrode may include an insulated electrical lead configured to sustain a voltage potential of at least about 700 V without dielectric breakdown of its corresponding insulation. In some embodiments, the insulation on each of the electrical leads may sustain an electrical potential difference of between about 200 V to about 2,500 V across its thickness without dielectric breakdown. In some embodiments, the set of electrodes may include a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes may be grouped into one or more anode-cathode subsets such as, for example, a subset including one anode and one cathode, a subset including two anodes and two cathodes, a subset including two anodes and one cathode, a subset including one anode and two cathodes, a subset including three anodes and one cathode, a subset including three anodes and two cathodes, and/or the like. While two electrodes (222, 224) are depicted, it can be appreciated that ablation device (220) can include one or more additional electrodes, where one or more sets of electrodes can be configured with opposite polarities to deliver pulsed electric fields to ablate tissue.

The operation of systems and devices for detection of pacing signals and/or ectopic activity can be understood with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which schematically illustrate a time series of periodic pacing pulses with cardiac activity, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a time sequence of an electrocardiogram (300) and cardiac pacing signal (310). The pacing signal (310) may comprise a set of periodic pacing pulses (312). For example, the pacing pulse (312) may comprise a rectangular pulse having a width of between about 1 ms and about 5 ms. In some embodiments, the pacing pulses (312) may be delivered using any of the pacing devices (e.g., pacing devices (130, 210)) described herein. For example, the pacing pulse (312) may be delivered via pacing electrodes (212, 214) of pacing catheter (210). In response to the pacing pulses (312), the cardiac cycle of the heart may synchronize with the pacing pulses (312). For example, the QRS waveforms (302) in FIG. 3A are synchronized with respective pacing pulses (312). The T-wave (304) that follows the QRS waveform (302) corresponds to the start of repolarization occurring in the cardiac myocytes. As such, delivery of an ablation pulse waveform after the T-wave begins may cause complications (e.g., atrial and/or ventricular fibrillation) and therefore be avoided. The time period (330) that starts from the onset of the pacing pulse (312) and ends before the T-wave (304) represents a safe time window during which an ablation pulsed electric field can be delivered to the heart. In some embodiments, ablation pulse waveforms are delivered within a refractory period (320) of the cardiac cycle following the pacing pulse (312). In some embodiments, more than one cardiac chamber may be paced (e.g., simultaneous pacing of an atrium and a ventricle) to establish a common refractory period for more than one cardiac chamber. In such embodiments, the pacing pulse (312) can be delivered during a common refractory period or overlap in the refractory period associated with each cardiac chamber.

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a time sequence of an electrocardiogram (340) and cardiac pacing signal (350). Similar to the periodic pacing pulses (312) shown in FIG. 3A, each pacing pulse (352) may comprise a rectangular pulse having a width of between about 1 ms and about 5 ms, and may be delivered using any of the pacing devices (e.g., pacing devices (130, 210)) described herein. For example, the pacing pulse (352) may be delivered via pacing electrodes (212, 214) of pacing catheter (210). In response to the pacing pulses (352), the natural pacing function of the heart may synchronize with the QRS waveforms (342). The T-wave (344) that follows the QRS waveform (342) corresponds to the start of repolarization in the cardiac myocytes. Without ectopic activity, the time period (370) that starts from the onset of the pacing pulse (352) and ends before the T-wave (344) represents a safe time window during which an ablation pulsed electric field can be delivered to the heart. The electrocardiogram (340) includes a refractory period (360) during which ablation can be delivered. With ectopic activity, e.g., as represented by an ectopic pulse (380) in the electrocardiogram (340), delivery of pulsed electric field ablation during the time period (370) may induce fibrillation. As depicted in FIG. 3B, an ectopic pulse or complex (380) can precede the QRS waveform (342) synchronized with the pacing pulse (352). The ectopic pulse (380) may generate an ectopic T-wave (382) that precedes the T-wave (344) of the QRS waveform (342). If a pulse waveform is delivered during the period (328) following the ectopic pulse (380), the pulse waveform may overlap the ectopic T-wave (382) and thereby cause complications, e.g., by inducing fibrillation. Accordingly, it can be desirable to detect the occurrence of an ectopic complex such as ectopic pulse (380) during an ablation procedure (e.g., in real-time), and upon detection, interrupt delivery of pulsed electric field ablation pulses. As described in more detail herein, systems, devices, and methods described herein can enable ectopic beats to be detected in real-time (e.g., during a pacing and/or ablation process) and delivery of ablation energy to tissue to be controlled (e.g., interrupting delivery of pulse waveform pulses) in response thereto. For example, such systems, devices, and methods can be configured for automated detection of ectopic ECG activity such that, if an ectopic beat is detected, subsequent ablation delivery can be terminated, e.g., until a user has repositioned devices, adjusted pacing parameters, or made other clinical adjustments to obtain a ECG waveform in synchrony with pacing pulses that does not include ectopic activity.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts an example apparatus (903) for generating pulsed electric field energy for tissue ablation. The apparatus (903) can include components that are structurally and/or functionally similar to those of the apparatus (120), described above with reference to FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, the apparatus (903) includes at least two controllers or processors (907, 908). The controller (907) can be configured to generate a waveform for pulsed electric field ablation via an ablation output (911) that connects to an energy delivery device such as, for example, an ablation catheter (e.g., ablation device (110)).

The controller (908) can be configured to generate a pacing stimulus and send that pacing stimulus to an intracardiac pacing catheter or similar medical device (e.g., pacing device (130)) via pacing output (920). The controller (908) can further send an indication (915) of the pacing stimulus to the controller (907), such that the delivery of the pulsed electric field energy can be synchronized with the cardiac pacing. The controllers (907, 908) can be operatively coupled to one another, e.g., by a communication bus (917). By synchronizing the delivery of the pulsed electric field ablation energy to the pacing stimulus, the apparatus (903) can ensure that pulsed electric field energy is delivery to sensitive anatomical structures (e.g., a cardiac chamber) during a refractory period, as described above, thereby avoiding the risk of inducing an arrhythmia such as a fibrillation event.

In some instances, an ectopic beat can arise by autonomous generation from a cardiac chamber. As described above, pulsed electric field ablation delivered during periods of ectopic activity can increase the risk of inducing an arrhythmia. Accordingly, it can be desirable to detect such ectopic activity. To detect such activity, cardiac signals (e.g., ECG recordings) from an intracardiac electrode pair can be sent as sensing signals (922) to the controller (908). The controller (908) can be configured to analyze the cardiac signals for ectopic beats. When the controller (908) detects an ectopic beat, the controller (908) can be configured to communicate with the controller (907) responsible for generating the ablation waveform, e.g., via communication bus (917), to halt the delivery of the pulsed electric field energy. For example, the controller (908) can send a signal to halt or interrupt ablation to the controller (907) in response to detecting ectopic activity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus (903) can be configured to confirm pacing capture prior to delivery of pulsed electric field energy. For example, the apparatus (903) via controller (908) can analyze the sensed cardiac signals (922) and communicate with controller (907) to deliver ablation upon confirmation of pacing capture. In some embodiments, the apparatus (903) can be equipped with a user interface for confirming pacing capture, e.g., via a manual input (927) by a user. For example, the apparatus (903) can include a display that displays the pacing signal and cardiac signal to allow a user to confirm pacing capture and indicate such confirmation to the apparatus (903) (e.g., by pushing a button on the user interface). In some embodiments, the apparatus (903) can analyze the sensed cardiac activity, and if such is found to not be in synchrony with the pacing stimulus, not perform ablation delivery and/or inform a user that pacing capture is absent (e.g., via user interface or a message). The user and/or apparatus (903) can then modify the pacing conditions, e.g., attempt pacing capture at a different rate, or move the pacing catheter to a location or position with better anatomical engagement.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts an example flow of a signal (e.g., an ECG signal) through one or more components of a controller, such as, for example, controller (908) depicted in FIG. 4 , in more detail. As depicted, an incoming signal (1003) (e.g., raw analog cardiac activity signal captured using intracardiac electrodes) can be received at an amplifier (1007). Amplifier (1007) may be configured to amplify the signal (1003) for digitization by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (1009). The ADC (1009) can output the processed cardiac data as a stream of digitized data. The digitized data may be stored or buffered as cardiac activity data in memory (1011). The processor (1013) may analyze and/or process the buffered cardiac data in segments of predetermined size (e.g., windowed data) for ectopic cardiac activity.

In some embodiments, the analysis can be based on comparing data to one or more threshold values, e.g., predetermined and preprogrammed into the processor (1013) and/or provided by a user via a user input (1017) to a user interface (e.g., a touchscreen monitor or other type of monitor, etc.). Based on the analysis, the processor (1013) may be configured to output a cardiac activity status to a controller for generating an ablation waveform or pulse generator controller (e.g., the signal generator (122) or the controller (907)).

The signal (1015) may indicate one or more of pacing capture status (e.g., ECG signal in/out of synchrony with a pacing pulse) and ectopic cardiac activity status. For example, if pacing capture is not detected, the processor (1013) can send a corresponding status signal (1015) indicating a lack of pacing capture to a pulse generator controller. The processor (1013) and/or the pulse generator controller can then alert a user, e.g., through a user interface, that pacing capture is not present and ablation cannot be performed. The user can then take appropriate action such as, for example, halting an ablation procedure and/or reconfiguring the system. For example, the user may reposition one or more of an ablation device (e.g., ablation device (110)) and/or pacing device (e.g., pacing device (130)), and/or adjust other system parameters. If pacing capture is confirmed by the processor (1013), a different signal (1015) indicating readiness for ablation can be sent to the pulse generator controller, whereupon the pulse generator controller may be configured to initiate ablation when requested by a user. In some embodiments, systems and devices described herein may measure cardiac activity before, during, and after ablation energy delivery.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor (1013) can detect ectopic beats. For example, if pacing capture is confirmed but an ectopic beat is detected, the processor (1013) can be configured to send a signal (1015) to the pulse generator controller such that the pulse generator controller does not generate a pulse waveform for ablation. The processor (1013) and/or pulse generator controller can inform a user to the presence of ectopic beats and that ablation cannot be performed, e.g., via a user interface. The processor (1013) can also continue to monitor the sensed ECG signal for ectopic beats that may occur during ablation. If such ectopic beats are detected, the processor (1013) can send a signal (1015) to the pulse generator controller indicating that ablation should be paused or interrupted. The pulse generate controller, in response to receiving the signal (1015) can then half further ablation delivery, e.g., until the user adjusts the system and/or no ectopic beat activity is detected.

Methods

Also described here are methods for detecting ectopic cardiac activity during a tissue ablation process performed in a heart chamber using the systems and devices described above. The heart chamber may be the left atrial chamber and include its associated pulmonary veins. Generally, the methods described here include introducing and disposing a pacing device (e.g., pacing device (130), pacing device (210)) in contact with one or more heart chambers. The pacing device may measure cardiac activity and deliver a pacing signal to the heart using a cardiac stimulator or other processor (e.g., cardiac stimulator (128), controller (908), processor (1013)). The measured signals may be processed and analyzed to detect pacing capture and/or ectopic cardiac activity that may interfere with tissue ablation, e.g., by such processor and controllers as described herein. An ablation device (e.g., ablation device (110), ablation device (220)) may be introduced and disposed in contact with one or more pulmonary vein ostial or antral regions. A pulse waveform may be delivered by one or more electrodes (e.g., electrodes (112), electrodes (222, 224)) of the ablation device to ablate tissue. In some embodiments, detection of autonomously generated ectopic cardiac activity may drive prompt interruption of ablation energy delivery, thereby reducing the risk of inducing an arrhythmia (e.g., fibrillation). Furthermore, a cardiac pacing signal (e.g., delivered by a pacing device (e.g., pacing device (130), pacing device (210)) may synchronize the delivered pulse waveforms with the cardiac cycle. By synchronizing the delivery of ablation energy to a pacing stimulus (e.g., during a refractory period), the risk of inducing an arrhythmia such as fibrillation may be further reduced.

Additionally or alternatively, the pulse waveforms may include a plurality of levels of a hierarchy to reduce total energy delivery, e.g., as described in International Application Serial No. PCT/US2019/031135, filed on May 7, 2019, and titled “SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF ABLATIVE ENERGY TO TISSUE,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The tissue ablation thus performed may be delivered in the absence of ectopic cardiac activity and in synchrony with paced heartbeats to reduce the risk of atrial and/or ventricular fibrillation and damage to healthy tissue. It should be appreciated that any of the ablation devices described herein (e.g., ablation device (110), ablation device (220)) may be used to ablate tissue using the methods discussed below as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the ablation devices described herein (e.g., ablation device (110), ablation device (220)) may be used for epicardial and/or endocardial ablation. Examples of suitable ablation catheters are described in International Application Serial No. PCT/US2019/014226.

FIG. 6 is an example method (400) of tissue ablation. In some embodiments, the voltage pulse waveforms described herein may be applied during a refractory period of the cardiac cycle so as to avoid disruption of the sinus rhythm of the heart. The method (400) includes introduction of a pacing device (e.g., pacing device (130, 210)) into an endocardial space, e.g., of a right ventricle, at (402). The pacing device may be advanced to be disposed in contact with the cardiac tissue, at (404). For example, sensor electrodes configured for cardiac activity measurement (e.g., ECG signals) and pacing electrodes configured for delivering pacing signals may be disposed in contact with an inner surface of the right ventricle. An ablation device (e.g., ablation device (110, 220)) may be introduced into an endocardial space, e.g., of a left atrium, at (406). The ablation device may be advanced to be disposed in contact with a pulmonary vein ostium, at (408). In some embodiments, a pacing signal may be generated by a cardiac stimulator (e.g., cardiac stimulator (128)) for cardiac stimulation of the heart, at (410). The pacing signal may then be applied to the heart, at (412), using the pacing electrodes of the pacing device. For example, the heart may be electrically paced with the pacing signal to ensure pacing capture to establish periodicity and predictability of the cardiac cycle. One or more of atrial and ventricular pacing may be applied. Examples of applied pacing signals relative to patient cardiac activity are described in more detail herein with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. One or more electrodes of the pacing device and/or ablation device may further measure cardiac activity (e.g., ECG signal) corresponding to electrical cardiac activity of the heart, at (414). In some embodiments, cardiac activity may be measured before, during, and/or after cardiac stimulation and tissue ablation.

An apparatus (e.g., apparatus (120, 903)) can process and/or analyze the cardiac signal sensed by the one or more electrodes. Based on analysis of the cardiac data, a status signal may be generated, at (416). The status signal may indicate a status of one or more of pacing capture and/or ectopic cardiac activity. For example, FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 provide more detailed examples of detecting ectopic cardiac activity. The status signal may be output to one or more of a signal generator (e.g., signal generator (122)) or any processor associated with an ablation device (110, 220) and/or output to a user interface, at (418). Based on the status signal, the signal generator may or may not generate a pulse waveform, at (420), e.g., based on predetermined criteria as described herein. For example, the pulse waveform may be generated in synchronization with the pacing signal (e.g., during a refractory period) when the status signal indicates one or more of a lack of ectopic cardiac activity (e.g., ectopic beat) in the cardiac data and confirmation of pacing capture (e.g., synchronization between the pacing signal and the cardiac cycle). For example, when pacing capture is observed over several heartbeats without ectopic cardiac activity, then the signal generator may generate a pulse waveform upon user (e.g., operator) activation. Conversely, the signal generator may be configured to inhibit pulse waveform generation and/or output an alert to the user when the cardiac activity status indicates one or more of ectopic cardiac activity (e.g., ectopic beat) in the cardiac data and/or an absence of pacing capture.

In some embodiments, pacing capture may be automatically confirmed by apparatuses described herein (e.g., apparatus (120, 903)) based on the received cardiac data. Additionally or alternatively, pacing capture may be confirmed by a user, e.g., after viewing an output of the pacing signal and cardiac signal data. For example, the user may confirm pacing capture using a user interface (e.g., an input/output device such as a touch screen monitor or other type of monitor) based on a cardiac activity output on a display. If the signal generator and/or processor, or the user viewing the displayed cardiac output, determines that there is one or more of ectopic cardiac activity and an absence of pacing capture, pulse waveform generation may be prohibited and the user may be prompted to adjust system parameters by, for example, repositioning the pacing device to improve tissue engagement and/or modify pacing signal parameters (e.g., pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, etc.).

The generated pulse waveform may be delivered to tissue, at (422). In some embodiments, a voltage pulse waveform may be applied in a common refractory time period associated with atrial and ventricular pacing signals. Depending on the cardiac data that is captured and/or other parameters associated ablation delivery, the pulse waveform may be generated with a time offset with respect to the indication of the pacing signal. For example, the refractory time period may be offset from the pacing signal by predetermined time period, and the ablation device can be configured to deliver the pulses during the refractory time period that is offset from the pacing signal. In some embodiment, the voltage pulse waveform(s) may be applied over a series of heartbeats over corresponding refractory time periods (e.g., common refractory periods).

In some embodiments, the pulse waveform may be delivered to pulmonary vein ostium of a heart of a patient via one or more splines of a set of splines of an ablation device (e.g., ablation device (110, 220). In other embodiments, voltage pulse waveforms as described herein may be selectively delivered to electrode subsets such as anode-cathode subsets for ablation and isolation of the pulmonary vein. For example, a first electrode of a group of electrodes may be configured as an anode and a second electrode of the group of electrodes may be configured as a cathode. These steps may be repeated for a desired number of pulmonary vein ostial or antral regions to have been ablated (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 ostia). Suitable examples of ablation devices and methods are described in International Application No. PCT/US2019/014226.

FIG. 7 is an example method (500) for detecting ectopic cardiac activity. In some embodiments, one or more steps of the method (500) may be performed by any one of the apparatuses described herein (e.g., apparatus (120, 903)), or any suitable processor associated with devices and methods described herein. The method (500) includes receiving a cardiac activity signal corresponding to electrical cardiac activity (e.g., ECG waveforms) of the heart, at (502). For example, the cardiac activity signal may include analog data received continuously from a set of electrodes (e.g., electrodes (216, 218)) of a pacing device (e.g., pacing device (210)) in contact with a chamber of a heart (e.g., the right ventricle). In some embodiments, a processor (e.g., controller (908), processor (1013)) or other processor associated with an ablation device may receive the cardiac activity signal and perform ectopic cardiac activity detection. The raw cardiac activity signal may be received and processed, at (504), to generate processed cardiac activity data. For example, signal processing may include signal conditioning (e.g., filtering), amplification, and digitization (e.g., using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)) to generate processed cardiac activity data. For example, the cardiac activity signal may be sampled at a frequency in the range of about 1 kHz or sampling time intervals of about 1 ms and stored at a predetermined resolution (e.g., discrete time series of 16-bit signed integer data). A sampling time interval of 1 ms corresponds to a Nyquist frequency of 500 Hz. The processed cardiac activity data is stored in memory, at (506), such as a buffer. In some embodiments, the buffer clears the stored cardiac data based on a received pacing signal. For example, the buffer deletes the previously stored cardiac data upon receiving the next pacing pulse. In some embodiments, the pacing signal may include a predetermined pacing frequency.

The processed cardiac activity data may be analyzed for one or more of ectopic cardiac activity and pacing capture, at (508). For example, the processed cardiac activity data can be analyzed by extracting sliding windows of the data, and each sliding window can be evaluated for ectopic cardiac activity, e.g., using discrete Fourier transform methods. Specific implementations of such analysis are further described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . Optionally, in some embodiments, the processed cardiac activity data can be analyzed to confirm pacing capture, at (512).

In some embodiments, ectopic cardiac activity detection, at (510), may be performed in parallel with pacing capture detection, at (512). In other embodiments, pacing capture detection, at (512), can be performed prior to performing ectopic cardiac activity detection, at (510).

A status signal may be generated, at (514), based on the results of the detected ectopic cardiac activity and/or pacing capture. In some embodiments, the status signal may be output to one or more components of an ablation apparatus (e.g., apparatus (120)), including, for example, a signal or pulse generator (e.g., signal generator (122)) and/or another compute device. For example, a user interface (e.g., a user interface such as a display, including in an apparatus (120)) of a tissue ablation system may be configured to display an indication confirming pacing capture (e.g., “Pacing Capture Confirmed”) and display an “Ablation” icon configured to allow a user to initiate delivery of ablation energy to tissue. In some embodiments, the cardiac activity status need not be output to a user if pacing capture is confirmed and no ectopic beat is detected. Rather, an indication (e.g., an audio and/or visual alarm) can be made when either pacing capture cannot be confirmed or when an ectopic beat is detected.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts depicting example methods of detecting ectopic cardiac activity and/or confirming pacing capture. One or more steps of the methods may be performed by any one of the apparatuses described herein (120, 903), or any suitable processor associated with devices and methods described herein. As depicted in FIG. 9 , a method of detecting ectopic cardiac activity includes receiving an ECG input, at (702). The ECG input can be, for example, ECG signal data received from a set of electrodes of a pacing device (e.g., electrodes (216, 218) of pacing device (210)). The ECG signal can be an analog signal. The ECG input can be processed, at (704), e.g., by conditioning (e.g., filtering) and/or amplifying the signal. The ECG signal can be converted from analog to digital, e.g., using an ADC, at (706). In some embodiments, the data can be sampled at a frequency to achieve sufficient resolution, e.g., at a frequency of about 1 kHz or sampling time intervals of about 1 ms, and stored as bit-based integer data (e.g., 16-bit signed integer data, 32-bit signed integer data, etc.). The digitized or sampled data can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory (126, 1011)), at (708). For example, the data can be buffered starting with each pacing signal such that each set of buffered data is associated with a single heart beat or cardiac cycle. The pacing signal data can be provided, e.g., by a pacing device (e.g., pacing device (130, 210)) and/or processor associated with a pacing device (e.g., processor (124, 908, 1013)), at (737). When a later set of data associated with a second pacing signal is received, the existing buffer can be cleared and this new data associated with the second pacing signal can be stored in the buffer.

At (710), the buffered data may be analyzed by extracting sliding windows of predetermined length. For example, beginning at a time interval equal to the pacing pulse width after the leading edge of the pacing pulse, the buffered data is extracted in sliding windows of a predetermined length (e.g., a window of 220 data points), which corresponds to a frequency resolution of approximately 4.54 Hz. The sliding window can start after the pacing pulse (i.e., after a time interval equal to the pulse width), and be advanced in discrete steps, e.g., with a step size equal to a preset number of sampling time intervals such as 10 sampling time intervals. The number of sliding windows extracted from the buffered data per cardiac cycle may depend on one or more parameters, such as, for example, a length between pacing pulses, window length, and/or step size, each of which can be a predetermined parameter.

A discrete Fourier Transform (e.g., Fast Fourier Transform) may be performed for each sliding window, at (712). The result of the Fourier Transform (e.g., amplitude) may be filtered (e.g., by a smoothing filter) to output a function ƒ corresponding to a local average over a set of neighboring values around each data point, at (714). Local peaks in function ƒ may be identified over a subrange of the data of each sliding window. For example, if a sliding window had a length of 220 data points, a subrange ranging from about 12 to about 100 (12^(th) data point to 100^(th) data point) can be used, which corresponds to a frequency band from about 54 Hz to about 454 Hz. While these specific sliding window lengths and frequency bands are provided as examples, it can be appreciated that other sliding window lengths and frequency bands can be used, e.g., depending on desired parameters, processing capability, etc. Analysis of peaks within the frequency band can be used to determine whether ectopic cardiac activity is present, at (720).

The processed ECG data within each sliding window can be used to detect ectopic cardiac activity. In an embodiment, an ectopic beat may be detected based on a comparison between a ratio of a peak value (a_(p)) of ƒ over the predetermined interval (or subrange or frequency band) to the maximum value (a_(max)) of ƒ up to the Nyquist frequency to a predetermined threshold t. In some embodiments, an ectopic beat may be detected in the sliding window when the ratio a_(p)/a_(max) is greater than t. Because ectopic beats increase the amount of certain frequencies in ECG signals, detection can be accomplished by identifying instances where a greater than normal amount of a frequency is present in the sampled cardiac data. In some embodiments, t may be between about 0.01 and about 0.25, between about 0.01 and about 0.2, between about 0.01 and about 0.15, including all sub-values and ranges in-between. In some embodiments, the user may input t into a user interface of a tissue ablation system, at (716). The threshold t can represent a sensitivity of the system, i.e., a system with a lower threshold t would have greater sensitivity than a system with higher threshold t.

When an ectopic beat is not detected in a particular sliding window (720: NO), the process continues onto the next sliding window. When an ectopic beat is detected (720: YES), then a status signal can be generated, at (724), e.g., that notifies a compute device and/or a user of the ectopic activity, as described above with reference to (514) in FIG. 7 .

In some embodiments, received ECG data can be used to confirm pacing capture. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10 , an example method for detecting ectopic beats and confirming pacing capture is depicted. Similar to the method depicted in FIG. 9 , an ECG input can be received, at (802). At (804), the ECG input can be processed, e.g., by conditioning (e.g., filtering) and/or amplifying the signal. At (806), the ECG signal can be converted from analog to digital, e.g., using an ADC. At (808), the digitized data can be stored in a memory (e.g., memory (126)). For example, the digitized data can be buffered in the memory starting with each pacing signal such that each set of buffered data is associated with a single heart beat or cardiac cycle.

At (810), the buffered data may be analyzed by extracting sliding windows of the data, each sliding window having a predetermined length and being advanced in discrete steps through the buffered data. Detection of ectopic beats, e.g., via a discrete Fourier Transform of the data, at (812), filtering and analysis of the data, at (814), and detection of peaks in the Fourier Transform data that is greater than a preset threshold, at (820), can be similar to that described in FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, such detection can be based on a user input (816).

With ECG data being available, pacing capture can also be confirmed, at (822). To confirm pacing capture, a subset of sampled data can be extracted from the ECG data at the start of the pacing signal, as indicated by (837). For example, ECG data associated with a predetermined time interval T (e.g., a pacing pulse duration) starting from onset of a pacing pulse can be extracted. For example, the time period may have a length of between about 5 ms and about 50 ms. Accordingly, the subset of sampled data can, for example, include the first ten to fifty data points, depending on the sampling frequency and time interval T. A function g(t) may be defined by the subset of sampled data over the time interval T. In some embodiments, g(t) may represent an ECG signal scaled with respect to a maximum magnitude of the ECG signal over the time interval T A set of moments (e.g., M₀, M₁, . . . , M_(n)) of this function over the time interval T may be calculated, and can be tracked over a predetermined number of successive pacing periods (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 successive pacing periods). The set of moments of the function can include, for example, the first three moments, which can be computed in discretized form as average values, or as other suitable integral representations (e.g., using the trapezoidal rule, Simpson's rule, or other integral measures) of g(t), tg(t), and t²g(t) over the time interval T.

With the calculated moments, an average value A_(n) of the nth moment over a set of i successive periods may be given by: A_(n)=(M_(n) ¹+M_(n) ²+M_(n) ³+ . . . +M_(n) ^(i))/i. Accordingly, for the first three moments over 5 successive pacing periods, the average values will be: A ₀=(M ₀ ¹ +M ₀ ² + . . . M ₀ ⁵)/5 A ₁=(M ₁ ¹ +M ₁ ² + . . . M ₁ ⁵)/5 A ₂=(M ₂ ¹ +M ₂ ² + . . . M ₂ ⁵)/5

A normalized difference between the average moment value A_(n) and the moment value for the i^(th) time period (e.g., for five time periods, i=1, 2, . . . , 5) of a given moment n may be calculated. For the first three moments (n=1, 2, 3), the following set of equations provide this normalized difference: S _(i) =|A ₀ −M ₀ ^(i) |/A ₀ T _(i) =|A ₁ −M ₁ ^(i) |/A ₁ U _(i) =|A ₂ −M ₂ ^(i) |/A ₂ where the S_(i), T_(i), and U_(i) values are set to zero when the corresponding one of A₀, A₁, or A₂ are zero.

Confirmation of pacing capture may be detected based on the S_(i), T_(i), and U_(i) values. For example, pacing capture over i predetermined time periods can be confirmed if for each non-zero value of A_(n), its corresponding S_(i), T_(i), or U_(i) value is less than a predetermined threshold or set of threshold values. For example, this threshold for the moment M₀ can be in the range between 0 and 0.1. A small deviation of the moment M_(n) ^(i) from the corresponding mean value indicates that the time-behavior of the ECG signal (viewed as a function of time) is morphologically consistent over successive pacing periods, thereby demonstrating pacing capture. In some embodiments, this threshold can be defined by a user, e.g., via input (816) provided by a user interface (e.g., of input/output device (127)). If pacing capture is confirmed (822), then this can be indicated, e.g., on a user interface by highlighting a “Pacing Capture Confirmed” indicator.

As described above with reference to FIG. 7 , if no ectopic beat activity is detected, and pacing capture is confirmed, then an ablation device and processor(s) associated therewith (e.g., pulse generation controller (907) and other devices described herein) can be set to deliver pulsed electric field ablation. If ectopic beat activity is detected and/or pacing capture is not confirmed, then the ablation device and/or associated processor(s) can be deactivated and/or not set to delivery pulsed electric field ablation, for example, by activation of a suitable relay that disconnects the ablation device from the ablation generator. Specifically, if ectopic beat activity is detected, then it would be undesirable to deliver pulsed electric field ablation because it can cause fibrillation.

In some embodiments, hierarchical voltage pulse waveforms having a nested structure and a hierarchy of time intervals as described herein may be useful for irreversible electroporation, providing control and selectivity in different tissue types. FIG. 8 is a flowchart (600) of an embodiment of a tissue ablation process. The method (600) includes the introduction of a device (e.g., ablation device (110, 220)) into an endocardial space, e.g., of a left atrium, at (602). The ablation device may be advanced to be disposed in a pulmonary vein ostium, at (604). In embodiments where the device may include a first and second configuration (e.g., compact and expanded), the device may be introduced in the first configuration and transformed to a second configuration to contact tissue at or near the pulmonary vein antrum or ostium, at (606), with further descriptions of suitable ablation devices provided in International Application No. PCT/US2019/014226. The ablation device may include electrodes and may be configured in anode-cathode subsets, at (608), as discussed in detail above. For example, a subset of electrodes of the devices may be selected as anodes, while another subset of electrodes of the device may be selected as cathodes, with the voltage pulse waveform applied between the anodes and cathodes.

A pulse waveform may be generated by a signal generator (e.g., signal generator (122)) and may include a plurality of levels in a hierarchy, at (610). A variety of hierarchical waveforms may be generated with a signal generator as disclosed herein. For example, the pulse waveform may include a first level of a hierarchy of the pulse waveform including a first set of pulses. Each pulse has a pulse time duration and a first time interval separating successive pulses. A second level of the hierarchy of the pulse waveform may include a plurality of first sets of pulses as a second set of pulses. A second time interval may separate successive first sets of pulses. The second time interval may be at least three times the duration of the first time interval. A third level of the hierarchy of the pulse waveform may include a plurality of second sets of pulses as a third set of pulses. A third time interval may separate successive second sets of pulses. The third time interval may be at least thirty times the duration of the second level time interval. The pulse waveform generated by the signal generator may be delivered to tissue using the ablation device, at (612). As described herein, if ectopic beat activity is detected or pacing capture is not confirmed, then the delivery of pulse waveform activity may be interrupted, e.g., at (608) or (610). Examples of pulse waveforms that can be used with the ablation devices described herein are provided in International Application No. PCT/US2016/57664, filed on Oct. 19, 2016, titled “Systems, apparatuses and methods for delivery of ablative energy to tissue,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It is understood that while the examples herein identify separate monophasic and biphasic waveforms, it should be appreciated that combination waveforms, where some portions of the waveform hierarchy are monophasic while other portions are biphasic, may also be generated. A voltage pulse waveform having a hierarchical structure may be applied across different anode-cathode subsets (optionally with a time delay). As discussed above, one or more of the waveforms applied across the anode-cathode subsets may be applied during the refractory period of a cardiac cycle. The pulse waveform may be delivered to tissue. It should be appreciated that the steps described in certain figures may be combined and modified as appropriate.

It should be understood that the examples and illustrations in this disclosure serve exemplary purposes and departures and variations such as numbers of splines, number of electrodes, and so on can be built and deployed according to the teachings herein without departing from the scope of this invention. While specific parameters such as sampling frequency, time intervals and so on were given for exemplary purposes only in the description herein, it should be understood that other values of the various parameters can be used as convenient for the application by those skilled in the art based on the teachings presented in this disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “about” and/or “approximately” when used in conjunction with numerical values and/or ranges generally refer to those numerical values and/or ranges near to a recited numerical value and/or range. In some instances, the terms “about” and “approximately” may mean within 10% of the recited value. For example, in some instances, “about 100 [units]” may mean within 10% of 100 (e.g., from 90 to 110). The terms “about” and “approximately” may be used interchangeably.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also may be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also may be referred to as code or algorithm) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which may include, for example, the instructions and/or computer code disclosed herein.

The systems, devices, and/or methods described herein may be performed by software (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor (or microprocessor or microcontroller), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Software modules (executed on hardware) may be expressed in a variety of software languages (e.g., computer code), including C, C++, Java®, Ruby, Visual Basic®, and/or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming language and development tools. Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

The specific examples and descriptions herein are exemplary in nature and embodiments may be developed by those skilled in the art based on the material taught herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a signal generator configured to deliver a pulsed waveform to a first set of electrodes disposed near cardiac tissue of a heart, such that the first set of electrodes generates one or more electric fields that causes irreversible electroporation of the cardiac tissue; and a controller coupled to the signal generator, the controller configured to: receive cardiac signal data of the heart captured by a second set of electrodes; extract a set of one or more features from the cardiac signal data; detect ectopic activity based on the set of features; and in response to detecting ectopic activity, send an indication of ectopic activity to the signal generator such that the signal generator is deactivated from generating the pulsed waveform.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to extract the set of features from the cardiac signal data by: extracting sliding windows of the cardiac signal data; applying a transformation to data within each sliding window of the cardiac signal data to obtain transformed data; and extracting the set of features from the transformed data.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the transformation is a discrete Fourier transform.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to process the cardiac signal data prior to extracting the set of features from the cardiac signal data by: amplifying or filtering the cardiac signal data; and digitizing the cardiac signal data.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the cardiac signal data is cardiac signal data captured during a first time period, the set of features is a first set of features, and the controller is further configured to: receive cardiac signal data of the heart captured by the second set of electrodes during a second time period after the first time period; extract a second set of one or more features from the cardiac signal data captured during the second time period; detect an absence of ectopic activity during the second time period based on the second set of features; and in response to detecting the absence of ectopic activity during the second time period, send an indication of the absence of ectopic activity to the signal generator such that the signal generator is reactivated for generating the pulsed waveform.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the indication is a first indication, and the controller is further configured to: in response to detecting that a user has adjusted pacing parameters, sending a second indication to the signal generator such that the signal generator is reactivated for generating the pulsed waveform.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cardiac signal data is cardiac signal data captured during a first time period, and the controller is further configured to: receive cardiac signal data of the heart captured by the second set of electrodes during a second time period; determine information associated with a cardiac cycle of the heart by analyzing the cardiac signal data captured during the second time period; and send the information to the signal generator such that the signal generator is configured to deliver the pulsed waveform to the first set of electrodes in synchrony with the cardiac cycle of the heart during the second time period.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cardiac signal data is cardiac signal data captured during a first time period, and the controller is further configured to: generate a set of pacing pulses and deliver the set of pacing pulses to a pacing device; receive cardiac signal data of the heart captured by the second set of electrodes during a second time period subsequent to delivery of the set of pacing pulses to the pacing device; confirm pacing capture of the set of pacing pulses based on the cardiac signal data captured during the second time period; and in response to confirming pacing capture, send an indication of pacing capture to the signal generator such that the signal generator is configured to deliver the pulsed waveform to the first set of electrodes in synchrony with the set of pacing pulses during the second time period.
 9. A method, comprising: receiving cardiac signal data captured by a set of electrodes disposed near a heart; extracting a set of one or more features from the cardiac signal data; detecting ectopic activity based on the set of features; and in response to detecting ectopic activity, sending an indication of ectopic activity to a signal generator configured to generate pulsed waveforms for causing irreversible electroporation of cardiac tissue of the heart such that the signal generator is deactivated from generating the pulsed waveform.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein extracting the set of features from the cardiac signal data includes: extracting sliding windows of the cardiac signal data; applying a transformation to data within each sliding window of the cardiac signal data to obtain transformed data; and extracting the set of features from the transformed data.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the transformation is a discrete Fourier transform.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising processing the cardiac signal data prior to extracting the set of features from the cardiac signal data by: amplifying or filtering the cardiac signal data; and digitizing the cardiac signal data.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the cardiac signal data is cardiac signal data captured during a first time period, and the set of features is a first set of features, the method further comprising: receiving cardiac signal data of the heart captured by the second set of electrodes during a second time period after the first time period; extracting a second set of one or more features from the cardiac signal data captured during the second time period; detecting an absence of ectopic activity during the second time period based on the second set of features; and in response to detecting the absence of ectopic activity during the second time period, sending an indication of the absence of ectopic activity to the signal generator such that the signal generator is reactivated for generating the pulsed waveform.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the indication is a first indication, and the controller is further configured to: in response to detecting that a user has adjusted pacing parameters, sending a second indication to the signal generator such that the signal generator is reactivated for generating the pulsed waveform.
 15. A system, comprising: a signal generator configured to deliver a pulsed waveform to a first set of electrodes disposed near cardiac tissue of a heart, such that the first set of electrodes generates one or more electric fields that causes irreversible electroporation of the cardiac tissue; and a controller operatively coupled to the signal generator, the controller configured to: generate a set of pacing pulses and deliver the set of pacing pulses to a pacing device for cardiac stimulation of the heart; receive cardiac signal data of the heart captured by a second set of electrodes; confirm pacing capture of the heart based on the cardiac signal data; confirm absence of ectopic activity of the heart; and in response to confirming pacing capture and confirming absence of ectopic activity, generate and send a set of signals to the signal generator to control the delivery of the pulsed waveform.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to monitor for ectopic activity of the heart by: extracting sliding windows of the cardiac signal data; applying a transformation to data within each sliding window of the cardiac signal data to obtain transformed data; extracting a set of one or more features from the transformed data; and determining whether there is ectopic activity based on the set of features.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the transformation is a discrete Fourier transform.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to confirm pacing capture by: extracting portions of the cardiac signal data following delivery of a subset of successive pacing pulses from the set of pacing pulses; determining, for each extracted portion, a set of one or more values that characterize the cardiac signal data within that extracted portion; and confirming pacing capture based on the set of values.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the set of signals includes a signal indicating pacing capture, the controller configured to generate and send the signal indicating pacing capture in response to confirming pacing capture.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the set of signals includes a signal indicating ectopic activity, the controller configured to generate and send the signal indicating ectopic activity in response to detecting ectopic activity based on the monitoring. 